St. Simons Island beaches has two convenient public parking and beach access locations on Ocean Boulevard at the Coast Guard Station and Massengale Beach. Parking is free and a boardwalk leads from the parking area to the beach.
In addition, along the St. Simons Sound and Atlantic Ocean are 41 public beach access points. #1, Wyley Street, is the southwestern most point and is located at the end of Butler Avenue. Public access points continue along the shoreline, ending with point #41, Gould’s Inlet, at the end of Bruce Drive on East Beach. Both Massengale Park and Coast Guard Station have ample (free) parking and public restrooms. The remaining access points vary, but some have limited or no vehicle parking. Points 1-22 are tide contingent, meaning at high tide, the water obscures the beach and these areas are not suitable for swimming at high tide. At low tide, the beach is exposed, making beach walks and swimming possible. High tide occurs twice daily and times vary throughout the year. Look for the green “Public Beach Access” signs and please obey posted parking signs to avoid ticketing or towing at all St. Simons Island beaches.
Jekyll Island also offers several beach access points however you do have to pay to get on the island itself. The residential area of Jekyll Island offers six public beach access points at Brice Lane, King Avenue, Dexter Lane, Thorne Lane, Albright Lane, and Gould Lane.